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Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Recap: Duggars Reunited

Tonight on 19 Kids and Counting, "Duggars Reunited"...

For eight days of every year, Jordyn, Mackynzie, and Josie are all the same age. How does that work? Jordyn was born on December 18th, 2008, and Mackynzie, the first grand-Duggar, arrived on October 8th, 2009. Josie, who was born at 25 weeks, was delivered via emergency C-section on December 10th, 2009.

To celebrate the girls' birthdays, Michelle and Anna take Johannah, Jennifer, Jorydn, Mackynzie, and Josie to The Sugar Cube to make candy.

Everyone has a blast, but it ends up being a messy birthday. "The energy levels were very high," says Anna.

"It tasted really yummy," says Josie.

Can you believe it has been four years since Josie was born? The Duggars still remember the months they spent in the Arkansas Children's Hospital NICU, watching Josie fight for her life and praying she would survive.

"Today, looking at her, you would never know that she started out so tiny," says Michelle. "She's a miracle."

Are Jim Bob and Michelle hoping to give Josie a younger sibling? Michelle says they are enjoying this season of life but "would welcome another baby if God saw fit..."

Before Josh's family returns to Arkansas, he takes them skating...on a plastic ice rink. It doesn't take long for the kids to discover that building up speed is a bit of a challenge.

Josh and Anna admit that living 1,200 miles (18 hours by car) from the rest of the Duggar clan can be lonely, and saying goodbye is always hard. "Jordyn, please stay forever and ever and ever with us!" Mackynzie tells her aunt.

Due to technology issues, we were unable to recap the first 15 minutes of the episode. To help those who couldn't tune in, feel free to post your own recaps in the comments forum.

They are both such sweet families. I absolutely love the Duggars & 19KAC. Thank you so much for posting recaps, and to everyone who posts the episodes!!! :) (I don't have cable.) Does anyone know how often the Duggars visit Josh and Anna? That is SO SWEET that Mackynzie told Jordyn that! <3

This family is on the wrong network. They stand for nor do they agree with the programming or sponsors on this network. It is hypocritical of them to even be paid to appear here. They should be on the Christian network and donate their filming time as a ministry. I highly doubt that they would travel the world on their tour bus is TLC didn't pick up the dime for it. They are giving a false financial impression of families such as theirs. Most of them have to eat rice for a year and pick up cans and sell them for the aluminum just to gear up and go to Big Sandy once a year in their old broken down vehicle. It's impossible to properly support a family of 20+ people without a TV show. The "product placement" is getting out of hand, in which Nutella was prominently displayed and enjoyed by some of the kids, Michelle made a point to mention that is was "Hershey's" chocolate in some baking they were doing... come on. you're not fooling anyone here.

I don't understand how Josh and Anna can say they are so lonely. It seems they are never apart from the rest of the clan. I don't know why they took a job in DC. They are always traveling to Arkansas or the Duggars are going to DC

many thanks for uploading last week's episode directly to the blog. It was great to be able to watch it here as we have no cable and also had trouble with several of the direct links on YouTube. Keep up the good work, Ladies

@AnonymousSorry anonymous 8 that you know nothing about this family who was financially independent and very well to do way before the show.As for them being on the wrong network,some wise person on an earlier blog said it right, they explained that they could reach a broader group of people who might actually gain some religious insight and hopefully apply it to their lives, they could help serve more people who may be on the wrong path.If one person got saved because of the Duggars then it would all be worth it as JimB and Michelle stated,that's why they do the show, they certainly do not need the funds.I have read many,many comments of people who's lives have changed because of this family.Maybe if you do some investigating you will be educated about this family, then your comments won't be so untrue.I'm gonna steal some fans wise words and say,"It sure feels good for our souls to be nice, and it feel so dark and dreary to be meanspirited that it sours ones soul.Peace,love, and harmony.

Thank you, Lily and Ellie, for all the work you do on this website. I appreciate it being here and I also appreciate very much your posting of opinions and observations that are differing. Thank you for not posting praise comments only. I agree we should be constructive, and not insulting in our opinions and views of this family. I try not to be. Having said that, I agree with Anonynous8. A "regular" family such as Josh and Anna's would not ever, at this stage of life, be able to fly all over the country, or drive to AR, or FL as much as they do. Who pays for these flights? TLC, or Josh and Anna personally? They obviously have a good salary support from TLC otherwise, they'd never be able to do it, even if they drove themselves. TLC should highlight a real fundamental family with 20 kids that never have had any income supplement from TV and show the world how they would really live if they altered their beliefs to be "like the duggars". They would be lightyears apart from them... Thank you.

@anonymous 6, the duggars have clearly worked hard for everything they have. They were supporting 14 children before they ever got a show and Jim Bob made wise investments and they stayed out of debt. The clearly make it a point to share their faith and to help others. We should celebrate their success, not condemn it.

It truly is sad that so many readers on this blog find fault and feel they have a right to tell the Duggar family, which network they should work with, what they should do with the proceeds, how long their hair should be, how long the girls' skirts should be, how much makeup they should wear, how often the parents should kiss. Then of course there are those of the opinion that the girls should cut their hair off and donate it, others want them to adopt, some don't, some think the married children should have only a few children and adopt others, some feel they should be more worldly, others are convinced they are too worldly. Yikes!! I am ranting, so sorry, it bothers me so I guess I need to take my own advice and focus on the positive comments and not let the more judgmental comments get to me. I watch the show because I find this family to be very interesting, fun, and wholesome, and it is great to have something positive on tv. I don't watch the show because I think they are perfect or have all the answers. It is just uplifting to me and encouraging. I just wish there were a little less judging and digging for hypocrisy. Who of us could live up to such standards?. Let's just do our best to love one another as Christ loves us.

Since the Duggars were already financially "independent" before TLC, why do they take a salary for the show if it's a ministry? Wouldn't TV exposure be the ultimate way of reaching the "unsaved"? I don't think they were "ok" money wise before this at all. Their house was going to be demolished, it was in such disrepair. They lived and slept like sardines in a can, things were very tough for them. Yes, they did work and support themselves, which is commendable, but I'd like to know more about JB's rental properties before the show and what types of properties they are and what kind of income it generated back then for them. I'm just saying that it is unusual and more unlikely that families of this size and mindset can live in their style and collect massive vehicles, etc. Other families that may be swayed to live like them may be mistaken as to what their financial circumstances would be. The Duggars are the financial exception to this lifestyle, not the rule. Numbers and money don't lie.

It would be illegal to not financially compensate someone doing a reality tv show. And immoral. Further I hope the kids are getting paid. In some states like Pennsylvania they need a work permit. The judge decided how much must be placed into an account for the kids, but that a court decision after the divorce. Josh and Anna married in their early twenties. Perhaps Josh hoarded any income earned to help with housing costs. They don't live anywhere near his work and while housing is expensive so are salaries. Living farther from work would make the home more affordable. I am surprised they got such a large home and that is seems to be full of stuff already. I would have thought a home in the 2000 square foot range than 4000 square foot range. If they are filming then TLC should cover the expense of the travel. The are being paid to go to x location and be filmed while at x location.

Hello! This is the first time I have ever felt strongly enough to leave a comment on anyone's blog. I just felt I needed to say thank you. My family and I have truly enjoyed your show. I have sincerely been encouraged by your family and the examples of kindness, sharing, community service and faith you all have demonstrated many, many times. It has sparked many positive conversations in our household and motivated us in positive ways ... parenting, life lessons, involvement with community. I'm not a huge fan of reality TV, or TV in general, but find you show really a joy to watch and learn from. Thank you for that and Best Wishes....The Pearce Family, Palmyra, NY

Did you see the preview on TV of Jill in nepal with JB and Derick? They were walking in the streets and Derick put his hand on Jill's back and JB pushed him out of the way and walked in the middle! Gosh! It was hilarious!

Anonymous 22: The Duggars are such a financial success because of TLC and their $. This family was starving, cramped in an old house that was going to be knocked down if they didn't move out in time. Be real.

I don't understand anonymous 20's calculations. Is that trying to calculate that they would need $15,000 a month to maintain a family of 22? Makes sense, if they spend $3-4,000 a month on grocery shopping alone. I can't imagine what their electric bill is for a house that size.

I lost all respect for that family when they showed how the father HAD TO TAKE HIS DAUGHTER ALL THE WAY TO AFRICA, so she could see the young man she was attracted to. Then FATHER MOVED BETWEEN THEM as they were walking along. What was THE URGENCY that meant THEY HAD TO GO ALL THAT WAY??????? Couldn't it wait until the young fellow came back to America??? The journey must have cost THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS!!!!!!!!

Is parading this "wonderful" family on TV, the best that the networks can show??? Have never seen the mother do any cooking, or cleaning, or grocery shopping, or the kind of things that most mothers have to do??? Why can't the children attend regular schools like others do? Does the father have a regular job to go to each day?

To continually praise a couple who live such an extreme lifestyle in all they think, do and say, is to stick one's head in the sand regarding the consequences of such beliefs. Yes, they may be very nice people who wouldn't harm you and all, but they also open themselves up to be critiqued. They aren't perfect, nor do they corner the market on wisdom in all areas, as some adhere them to be; writing books, interviews on their "take" on things.. they make mistakes just like everyone else in the world, and some posters think that their extremism is one of those mistakes about interpretation of scripture. Having said that, one should love and care for the children you already have and accept the circumstances of life when you are there. Michelle needs to be quiet about wanting more children at this point, and she seems to be quite unhappy about her biological timeclock. She also seems to be at a loss in relating to the children who are still young and need HER, not their siblings as a mother figure. IMO, she is quite out of practice in that area. EX: During the "head stuck in the railing episode, who did JB hand the little girl to after such an experience for comfort? Jill, not Michelle. Michelle seemed quite "ok" with that. She is emotionally removed from her children as she is focused only on the "next one". One day, there really won't be a "next one, ever" due to extreme age. What is she going to do then? They need to address her emotionally take on that right now and they won't, of course.It seems to be what shows up on camera. I am not attempting to "diagnose" someone I haven't met in person, but I am relating the impression that is given during these episodes, which have gone on for 10 years now. Thank you.

Whenever a child is in serious trouble Michelle is at there side, (when Jason fell and cracked his jaw) when Johanna fell on her bike and needed stitches. Michelle didn't send Jill to the hospital to care for them. When Jordyn had her head unstuck everyone was laughing...and she was unfazed. Give Michelle a break she's an excellent , patient loving mother who her children adore.You are seeing a tiny window of their day and dont know what goes on.

I think that people have a hard time believing that God can truly bless people. They are an example of how God can bless when you do what he says. They were called to this life. Others may be called to one child or living with a challenging income. Those people need to live how God wants. The Duggar life is not for everyone, but God called them to it.

By this I know that you delight in me: my enemy will not shout in triumph over me. But you have upheld me because of my integrity, and set me in your presence forever.

This is my prayer for the Duggars. I hope that they are not swayed by what others say or think that they are truly focused on the words of the Lord. That they will have happy marriages and families and face each difficulty through Gods words.

P.S some of these comments seem to be from some very angry people. If you have that much distaste or anger toward this show it maybe time to put your focus elsewhere. Peace

Anonymous 33:It's funny how things can be perceived in different ways. I thought it was absolutely WONDERFUL that JimBob would honour his daughter's request to take her to Nepal. The reason she wanted to go, (and JimBob had suggested just waiting until he came back on a previous episode), was so that she could see him in his work/serving environment. If she is going to be married to the person in question, it is absolutely MOST UNDERSTANDABLE AND EXTREMELY WISE AND PRUDENT to see how a person would be in their day to day life. If she's going to be married to him and live across the world to be his helpmeet, it's the best way to help her make her biggest and most important life's decision. Very wise. Very understandable.

I loved it when JimBob got between them. To me, that said: "Hey fella. Watch it. This is still my precious girl, and it's hands off until courtship. So back off." From what I have seen and have come to know of them, I would say Jill was very appreciative of that.

Amen! I particularly hate the "buy used and save the difference" advice. Good advice, but completely hypocritical with the product placement. Anyone attempting to replicate this lifestyle would never have Apple computers, matching furniture, designer clothes (remember when all the teenagers seemed to wear Aeropostale?), and too many other products to count. My particular favorite was the blatant Swiffer ad from a few years ago. Really? The family that makes their own laundry detergent is using expensive mops?

That net worth is calculating in their rather lucrative TLC contract. It`s far from being those rental properties JB mentions a lot in earlier episodes. It`s also the net worth of the family (all kids of legal age receive a set amount for episodes they appear in, not just Papa Bear. That includes their home, Josh`s as well, and John David`s home and business. Source: I worked on the legal team of a reality show over at MTV.

I have to hire a super/concierge,so that's 10 hours per week, at minimum wage (10.35$/hour)=414$ per month.

I have to pay insurance, as well, on my buildings (about 25% more expensive to insure rental properties than your home). Each building's insurance costs me 300$ a month, so that's 600$ total.

I pocket around 4069$ per month, which is taxed. Clear, I net more like 3100$ per month. I had an empty apartment for about 4 months, so those months I netted 3200$ clear. It also cost me about 500$ to spruce up the apartment and advertise it, so again, less revenue. Oh, and there are legal fees, of course, that come up from time to time. In an average year, I net about 55% of the rent my tenants pay. And I have new, reliable buildings and reliable tenants in a high occupancy rate area. So, yes, we can call out yours and others assumptions of how much money the Duggars make on their properties. I'd love to have TLC disclose the financial terms to their contract with the Duggars....

Some of these comments are horrible. Are you guys sitting at home alone just waiting to be hateful? Get a life and figure out how you want to live your life. wear your hair and clothes. instead of leaving some of these hateful comments that only show people that you must not really enjoy your own life.

Thanks for leaving your comments! We answer as many of your questions as we can, but due to the number of comments we receive daily, we are unable to answer every one. Our aim is to post all points of view, but we do not post anything that is profane, insulting, derogatory, or in poor taste.

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Welcome to the premiere source for factual, encouraging updates on Jim Bob & Michelle Duggar and their 19 kids (TLC's 19 Kids and Counting & Counting On). Our site is not maintained by the Duggars, but we (Lily and Ellie) are personal friends of the family.